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Statin Use Linked to Lower Prostate Cancer Death Risk

TUESDAY, Nov. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Prostate cancer patients who
take the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins appear to face
a lower risk of death from their disease, new Canadian research
suggests.

The decreased risk was strongest for those who were taking the
statins before their cancer diagnosis, investigators found. In
addition, the study also showed, statin use was associated with a
lower risk for any cause of death.

Despite the evidence, however, the study team called for more
research to confirm the findings.

"The results of our study suggest that the use of statins is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer mortality," said study co-author Laurent Azoulay, from Jewish General Hospital and McGill University in Montreal. "(But) overall, while our results are very promising, we believe that additional rigorous studies are needed before prescribing these agents to men with prostate cancer."

Azoulay and his colleagues, whose study is published online
ahead of print in the
Journal of Clinical Oncology, noted that they did not show a
direct cause-and-effect relationship between the popular drugs
taken by millions to prevent heart disease and a lower death risk
from prostate cancer.

To explore the protective potential of statins, which are sold
under such brand names as Zocor, Crestor and Lipitor, the authors
analyzed data on almost 12,000 men from the United Kingdom who had
been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point between 1998 and
2009.

The men were tracked through 2012, for an average of more than
four years after their diagnosis. During that time, nearly 3,500
died, and almost 1,800 of those deaths were attributed to prostate
cancer.

Ultimately, Azoulay's team concluded that statin use was
associated with both a lower risk of dying from prostate cancer as
well as a lower risk of death from any cause. The protective effect
attributed to statin use was strongest among those men who had
begun using statins before they were diagnosed with prostate
cancer.

At this point, the authors can only theorize on what the
connection could be.

"In terms of their possible physiological effects, several experimental studies have shown that statins have anti-tumor properties on prostate cancer cells, such as on cell proliferation," Azoulay noted.

"The results of our study do corroborate these experimental studies," he added. "That being said, it is well-documented that long-term statin users are 'health-conscious' individuals. Thus, it is also possible that their healthy behavior may have contributed, at least in part, to the observed decreased risk with prostate cancer mortality."

But if further research upholds the current indications, would a
statin regimen be advisable?

"Statins are generally safe drugs, though some rare adverse events can occur, such as muscle damage," Azoulay said. "This is especially relevant as certain prostate cancer treatments, such as androgen-deprivation therapy, may also affect muscle mass."

Future studies should assess whether statins can be used safely
with other prostate cancer treatments, he added.

Dr. Anthony D'Amico, chief of radiation oncology at Brigham and
Women's Hospital in Boston, suggested, however, the findings should
be considered with caution.

"It is important to note that this is a study of association and not proof of cause and effect," he said, noting that only a large randomized trial can prove causation.

"Nevertheless, the study results are encouraging," he added, "and support a randomized trial to validate their findings for statin use in the pre- and post-(prostate cancer) diagnostic settings."

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.